More dates have surfaced for the Backstreet Boys [ tickets ]' forthcoming club tour, which marks the group's return to the spotlight after a lengthy hiatus.

The itinerary, which still begins March 21 with a two-night stand at New York City's Irving Plaza, now includes April stops in Columbus, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee and St. Louis. The itinerary is included below.

The tour precedes the summer release of the Backstreet Boys' first new album since 2000's eight-million-selling "Black & Blue." A specific street date for the new set hasn't been announced, but its first single--the title of which has not yet been revealed--is slated to hit radio stations March 18, according to the group's website.

The group's setlist on the upcoming tour will feature a mix of previously released hits as well as songs from the as-yet-untitled album, according to Jive Records. According to the label, the group's "musical direction has shifted with the times," but fans can "definitely expect to hear a classic BSB album with great vocals and great choruses."

Max Martin--who was involved in the writing and production of previous Backstreet Boys hits "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," "As Long as You Love Me" and "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"--worked with the group on one of the upcoming album's tracks, according to Jive.

Meanwhile, as group member Brian Littrell [ tickets ] gets ready to resume his role as a Backstreet Boy, he is simultaneously cultivating a solo career. Last fall, Littrell cut a deal with Provident Music Group imprint Reunion Records, and plans to release an album of Christian pop songs this fall.

"I've been a born-again Christian since I was eight years old and I've known for a very long time that this has been my calling," Littrell said in a statement. "I hope to reach listeners in this arena and continue to let Backstreet Boys fans know that it's okay to stand for what you believe in. If I can do something that opens doors and benefits lives in some way, I hope to be able to do that."

The first single from Littrell's debut is expected to surface this spring, according to Provident; a specific release date for neither the album nor the single has been announced.

Fans can get a preview of Littrell's solo sound on the cut "In Christ Alone," which turns up on the various-artists compilation "WOW #1s," a contemporary-Christian set that Reunion Records plans to issue on April 5. More information is available at Reunion's Brian Littrell webpage.